USA > Ohio > Butler County > A history and biographical cyclopaedia of Butler County, Ohio, with illustrations and sketches of its representative men and pioneers. Vol. 1 > Part 41
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Besides these, Mr. McBride wrote a history of Ham- ilton, and one of Oxford, together with a sketch of the ' Miami University. These have never previously been printed; but their substance will appear in these pages. No one can read what he has done without being struck with the thoroughness and solidity with which he did his work. He read many volmnes to make his annotations, and each page of his writing must represent a day of labor. There are blanks left here and there to be filled up, and in some cases where chapter headings were placed the text had not been written. He hoped to be able to do this, but time was lacking. To the triennial cata- logue of the Miami University there are copious addi- tions, and there is included in his papers on the Miami University a list of the graduates, with their subsequent history. This must have taken a great deal of corre- spondence. He wrote an account of the Hamilton ' bridge, which was published by the stockholders; he furnished the means, and wrote the book, describing Symines's theory of concentric spheres; and he occasion- ally contributed points of Ohio history both to Cist's Mis- celluny and the Hamilton papers. Howe's History of Ohio was largely indebted to him.
But while he was writing what had happened, he was also attentive to gathering up those books and. odds and ends of knowledge that would make the preparation of historical works easier to the future aunalist. His library was in many branches of knowledge, embracing proba- bly five thousand volumes, at a day when neither incomes nor libraries were so large as at present. He retained files of the Hamilton papers from the beginning, as well as of Niles Register and the National Intelligencer. A few of these went to the State library, but the remainder are destroyed. He kept every pamphlet that reached him ; and it is not too much to say that, in this respect, the loss that was suffered by his death and their destruction is incalculabie to the student of Western history. Begin- ning his researches in 1806, and continuing them for more than a half century, it is certain that the historical societies of the future, in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Cleve- land, would be willing to pay their weight in silver for what is now lost. It should be remembered that. seventy- six years ago, Cincinnati, Pittsburg, and Louisville were inconsiderable villages, and St. Louis a hamlet. Mr. MeBride's collection was probably the richest in the incu- nabnulla of the West, if we may borrow a term gquerally restricted to the fifteenth century, of any mnade or gath- ered in the United States. He had the same advantages that Jefferson had when he collected his library of works relating to America, with the exception that our pioneer retained only those which were locally valuable.
Mr. MeBride was never happier than when in his library. He had a sincere love for truch, and wished himself to know what it was, even when he had no de- sire to write or otherwise express it. His books were his fountains of knowledge. Hle kopt continually adding to
them, and was equally assiduous in extracting their con- tents. He was always ready to lend his aid to other in- vestigators, and to place them upon sound ground. He had a strong intellect and a love for letters, and he never seemed to grow tired of these investigations. The result was that, in the end, he had accumulated a vast stock of knowledge, and this without pretense or exciting remark.
As will be seen by our chapter on the mound-builders, kindly furnished by J. P. Maclean, the whole region hereabonts is dotted with the remains of a race who built earthworks and threw up barrows, and of whom no other relies now remain. Mr. MeBride was the first observer in this county who gave these tumuli more than enrsory attention. He opened some of them, and others he str- veyed and described. The one on sections 4, 5, 8, and 9, St. Clair Township, was described in the transactions of the Ohio Historical and Philosophical Society by him. He spent much time in this pursuit, and, by patience and the use of money, finally succeeded in getting to- gether the finest collection of prebistoric relics ever in this neighborhood. Many of these curiosities were the gifts of his neighbors, who knew his tastes. This cabi- net is now in the possession of George W. Vaux, of Philadelphia. Forty years ago Squier and Davis were in this vicinity, making surveys, drawings, and collec- tions for a volume soon to be issued by the Smithsonian Institute, in Washington, and enlisted his aid and chat of Mr. John W. Erwin in their behah. Yet, although the " Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley" owe largely to the assistance of these two gentlemen, who furnished near a hundred pages, they received no public acknowledgment, and the community at large believes these drawings, plans of survey, and notes were fron: the pen of the two editors.
We are apt to forget, in these days of easy locomo- tion and advanced education, what great benefits were reaped from our early colleges. They deserved all the encomiums lavished upon them by the early historians, although their staff of professors was small, their range of studies limited, and their teachers knew little bat the classies. They kept the lamp of knowledge affeine throughout the country, and here and there trained up men who carried the advance of knowledge still further. In this task Miami University had a great share, and, of its board of governors, none took a greater or more in- telligent interest than Mr. MeBride. From the origin of the institution he was connected with it, aad at the time of his death he was the president of its board of trustees. Without himself having attained a collegiate education, he appreciated its advantages. He was sodu- lous in attendance at the meetings of the trustees; he was treasurer for a long time; he aided on the building committees and elsewhere, and he invariably gave the faculty a full support. That institution acquired au early and great fame, and to no one scarcely can more credit be given than to Mr. McBride.
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LEADERS OF THE HALF CENTURY.
We should not omit to mention the map drawn by bim in 1836. This was published by himself and James B. Cameron, and engravel by Doolittle and Munson. It is a large copper-plate, five feet by four, and of the ut- most accuracy. Every little stream is laid down upon it, and every farm, roa.l, church, and school-house, and the meanderings of the Miami can by this be compared with its bed in the present day. No more truthful county map, we have anthority for saying, was ever published in Ohio. Some of his manuscript maps are also in ex- istence in the public offices. They are both handsome and accurate, and of marvelous perfection in the let- tering.
After ceasing to be sheriff he was in repose several years, until he was urged by his fellow-citizens to become mayor of Hamilton. He showed in this office the same punctual diligence he displayed elsewhere, as is attested by his docket, still preserved, in which he recorded the cases brought before him. While in this position he aided in a codification of the municipal ordinances. After the election of John Woods as auditor of state he went thither to assist him, rendering most valuable co-opera- tion, and in 1846 was chosen clerk of the courts of But- ler County, a position he held until 1852.
He was a taciturn and modest man, never frequent- ing publie gatherings, and rarely conversing at any length except with those intimately connected with him. He was averse to display. He was very quiet and un- obtrusive, and of sterling integrity. He could not pash himself forward. He was charitable almost to a fault, and never let a person leave his door unaided. His probity was of the highest. He never sought to escape the consequences of an action in which he had been un- fortunate, through misjudgment or misplaced confidence, but dealt as he would be done by. He was active in every thing that helped to benefit or improve his county or State, and took an interest in every thing that prom- ised these results. He was a stockhokier in the bridge, the hydraulic, and the railroad, because he thought they would benefit the town, and not because he thought they would put money in his pocket.
When he had attained the patriarchal age of three- score and ten his wife died. This was on the 23d of September, 1859. He seemed instantly to lose all in- terest in life, and prepared himself to depart. Ten days after he died, on the 3d of October, aged seventy years and cleven months, and leaving two sons and two daugh- ters. Homer, lis oldest son, had died loug before, and those who survived were Hocace, James, Laura, and Marietta. The last married William Sanders, and on her death left two daughters. Laura married Roger N. Stembel, a graduate of Miami University, who en- tered afterwards the navy, and was badly wounded at I-land No. 10 on the Mississippi, where he was the cap- tain of a gun-boat. He is now a commodore. Both of Mr. McBride's sons are deal.
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: JOHN CLEVES SYMMES.
John Cleves Symmes, the junior, conunonly known as captain, to distinguish him from his uncle, Julge John Cleves Symmes, the leading patentee of the Miami lands, was born in Sussex County, New Jersey, on the 5th of November, 1780. He was the son of Timothy Synimes, a Revolutionary soldier, who was afterwards a judge in New Jersey, and who came out to this region soon after his brother. He was twice married,-once to Abigail Tuthill, and onee to Mary Harker. By the first marriage he had three children, and by the second six. John Cleves Symimes, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest of the latter. He received a good elementary ed- neation, and early developed a great taste for reading. This was indulged as far as possible, and he also carefully studied mathematics and the natural sciences.
On attaining the age of twenty-two, or on the 2d of April, 1802, he entered the American army as ensiga, the lowest rank of commissioned officer. On the Ist of May, 1804, he was promoted to the rank of second lieu. tenant ; on July 29, 1807, to that of first lieutenant; and on the 20th of January, 1812, he received a commission as captain. He continued to serve in that capacity dur- ing the war, and until the disbanding of the army in 1816.
Soon after he entered the army he was ordered to the South-west, and was stationed successively at Fort Coupée, Louisiana ; Fort Adams, fifty miles below Natchez, on the Mississippi, and at New Orleans.
While at Fort Adams he fought a duel with one of his comrades, as given in a letter to his brother Celadon, dated Fort Adams, June 28, 1807 :
"I sit Jown to emit from the point of my pen such ideas as may chance to rise in my mind while I imag- ine myself narrating to you the pleasures aud pains I have experienced since I last wrote. The proportion of the latter has far exceeded that of the former, although the six months I spent at Fort Coupee glided away like a pleasing dream, where happiness appeared within my reach ; and just as I was possessing it, I was aroused and hurried away to Orleans, where a viperlike enemy had been before me and male several others, who were actu- ated by hope of promotion and love of mischief.
"This subtle, desiguing enemy was my late surgeou mate, Dr. John Fowles, who insinuated that I had acted dishonorably in giving him a furlough with prospect of pay, and that I had insisted on his giving me his pas while absent, on account of having to take care of the sick for him ; on hearing which I immediately declared his allegation false, and that he should give me a certifi- cate satisfactory or meet me in the field of honor.
" After I had stated the truth that he had built his story out of, deehiring I had done nothing but what ! was willing the world should know of that I could biane myself for. and pointed out the precedent I was gublol by. I obtained with case a furlough to go to Point Coupée. to adjust some unsettled business i pretended so have
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
there. I went and humbled his (mean) soul as much as mine (but too generous then), and dietated a certifi- cate, which he eopied and signed. I then returned in triumph to Orleans, where those juniors, disappointed in the hope they at first had entertained of obtaining pro- motion by my resigning in a fright, or getting killed by the doetor, continued their nefarious cabals under the rose. But I smelt a rat, felt provoked, and strutted with more confidenee than was usual to me at other times. On one of these lowering days I began a. letter which I never finished. I here give you a paragraph of it: 'I lately read a French proverb indicating that a man without ene- mies was no great thing. I then wished for some. I now have my wish, and believe I shall profit thereby. They are a necessary stimulus, calculated to promote energy and perseverance. If I do not take pains to nourish them, I shall not to do them away, unless some one should be so bold as to emerge from under the rose, and refuse to apologize and return.'
" A week or two after my return from Point Coupee. I was told by an old acquaintance, under cover of friend- ship, that my juniors in rank did not achnit my eharae- ter to be fairly cleared up, and had persuaded several to think with them. I made light of it to him, but advised with a field officer, who happened not to be characterized by decision. His response was evasive. I, therefore, of my own accord, made an official application to the gen- cral for a court of inquiry, to examine whether or not my eonduet had been correct.
" The general, being much hurried with business at that time, neglected to order the court for several days, during which time I, in the course of duty, had occasion to see the standing order relative to police, which I had not yet seen. I, therefore, went, as I ought, to Lieuten- ant Marshall, who was adjutant, and, in his office, asked him to see the erderly book. He answered that it was more proper that I should examine the books of the company to which I was attached, and that I should not sen thein there. I then observed that I did not suppose but that he was a man of his word, and reminded him that he had formerly given a like answer and refusal on the same occasion, with a promise that, in case the ser- geant had not recorded the orders (as I suggested), I might see them in his office; upon which he blustered toward me, and demanded what I meant; while I re- turned him that I meant as I said. He then declared that, sinee he had promised them, I might see them, and handed me the book, observing, at the same time, that I was not generally considered as a gentleman. At this time our passions were both raised. I quelled mine, and spoke deliberately to this effect. that I should not consult his opinion relative to what other people thought of me. het wished to know if he did not himself' say I was not a gentleman. He answered yes, and that he did not consider me one. I continued that I had long observed the ill offices that he was inclined to do me, and that he
wanted promotion (' Yes,' said he, 'I do'), and would be disappointed in the way he looked for it, but that I was still willing he should have a chance for it : 'Let us go out and take a shot.' (By this time, besides two officers sitting in the room, five or six had collected in front of the door, which stood open.) He declined, alleging that he did not consider me on a gentlemanly footing with him, alluding to what Dr. Fowles had said of me. I urged that, until I was arrested or officially charged with some misdemeanor, I stood on the same footing of every other officer, and that I was not subject to be insulted with impunity. . About this time he began to come down, and endeavored to make out that he had not disputed my gentility, but still refused a second invi- tation I gave hin, alleging the same reason, but said that he would fight me after the court of inquiry (I cx- peeted) should acquit me. I consented to the proposi- tion, provided it could not take place sooner, and ther proceeded to read the orders I wanted to see, and he sat' down to his breakfast. That day I mounted guard, and the next, when relieved, took a sleep after dinner, and went early to parade (I then quartered in town) without consulting any person. I had determined what to do, which was to fall in with Mr. Marshall when he had his sword ou, and wring his nose. I did not get an oppor- tunity until after parade was dismissed, when, walking to the barracks, I overtook him and requested to speak to hin. He turned toward me; I accomplished my in- tention, and bringing my hand on the hilt of my sword, and taking one step backward, I involuntarily said, ' Draw and defend yourself.' He did not draw, but stepped toward me-to grapple, as I expected ; for he is a large man. I then held my sword horizontally before me, and told him not to advance, but draw and defend him- self. Ile then, after an exelamation of surprise, made for his quarters, beckoning and calling me to follow, which I did to the front of his door, where I passed fore and aft, then went to a group of officers near, and related what I had done, observing that I expected that he would not now hesitate to take the field. Presently he came toward us, ealling on me. I advanced to him. He then said that he would meet me, and proposed that our seconds should eonveue on the gallery as soon as possible. I consented, and glided to my quarters (if possible) like a man intox- icated with pleasurable passion. One of my messmates said I had been drinking wine. Lieutenant Clymer, s messmate, who had at that moment returned, after an absence of two weeks, immediately became my second ; met Mr. Marshall, and they agreed that we should meet on the commons at daylight next morning. Mr. Clymer prepared me excellent pistols and a surgeon to attend. We met at the appointed time, and, at the distance of ten paces, standing sideways, fired at the word. The one appointed to give it first asked, ' Are you ready ? We at the same instant answered, 'Yes' He then xid, " Fire!' and we raised our arms together deliberately.
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from a hanging position. My intention was to aim at his hip; his (I learu) at my breast. Consequently, I got the first fire, which drew his shot somewhat at random, though it must have passed within a line of the lower part of my belly, as it pierced- through my pantaloons, shirt-tail, and the bone of my eareless hanging wrist, close to the joint. He received my ball in his thigh, but where it glaneed to the doctors can not find. It is said he is now walking about. I wanted to know if he desired another shot, and being informed in the nega- tive, left my second and surgeon attending to him, and, with my handkerchief wrapped around my wound, went home and ate a hearty breakfast, not expecting to be confined or much afflicted with what appeared to the doctor, as well as myself, little more than a scratch. But many a long day and night I suffered for the error of not losing blood and dieting, as I ought to have done; 't was near two months before it healed, and two weeks of that time it was dangerously inflamed, and disjointed of itself, which is the cause of its looking or being somewhat awry and not working freely in the joint like the other. The pain produced fever, and that debility, which exposed me
to a multitude of infirmities. The most obstinate and afflieting was a dysentery, which began with a dropsy, and continued with violence for six or seven weeks. I have now got shut of it; but my feet and legs continue to bloat to a troublesome degrec. The court of inquiry I applied for was ordered, agreeable to my request, and as soon as my wound began to mend I wrote an official notice to the recorder that I was ready to come before the court, if they would appoint a place to sit and give me notice ; and I repeatedly stated verbally the same to Cap- tain Lockwood, who was president thereof, who alleged that he was under marching orders, and it was intimated to me by numbers that the proceedings would be a needless piece of precaution in me, as every one was convineed of my integrity and gentility. I, therefore, made no further application to be heard, especially as the members of the couri were immediately scattered to different posts."
Captain Symmes never fully recovered the use of his wrist ; it was always stiff and a little awry. The wound which Lieutenant Marshall received disabled him so that he earried the effects of it through life. He was after- ward befriended by Captain Symmes, who always spoke of this duel with , regret.
At the time of the eummeneement of the war with Great Britain, in 1812, the first regiment of United States infantry, of which he was senior captain, was stationed at the mouth of the Missouri River, in the Territory of Mis- youri. Here they remained until 1814, when they were ordered to join the army of General Brown, on the north- orn frontier. After a long and fatiguing journey by land and water, they reached Canmdr on the 25th of July, the very day on which the battle of Bridgewater, or Lundy's Lane, was fought.
The battle commeneed near sunset. The First Regi-
ment, which was commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Rob- ert C. Nicholas, had not joined the army at the time of the opening of the battle, but were about two miles in the rear. When the firing eommeneed, without waiting for or receiving orders from General Brown, the regi- ment was put in motion by Colonel Nicholas, and marched with all possible expedition to the scene of the conflict. When they arrived at the American camp they found General Ripley, to whom they had been ordered to re- port, had advanced with his brigade, and, without halt- ing, they continued to press forward.
It was twilight when they reached the field; they formed themselves within a short distance of the enemy's batteries, without meeting with any general officer or aid- de-camp to instruct them how they should join in the conflict. Ignorant of the situation of either army, ex- cept from the observations made in coming up, and uu- apprized of the position of General Ripley's brigade, Colonel Nicholas, when he found himself so near a Brit- ish battery, which had opened fire upon his regiment, ordered the men to retire a short distance. While the attention of the battery was thus directed to the First Regiment, Colonel James Miller, leading his battalion, partly under the cover of the fence of a church-yard moved swiftly up the hill and attacked the artillerists almost before they were aware of their presence, and after a short but desperate hand-to-hand fight, in which he lost a number of his gallant men, he captured the whole park, consisting of seven brass eannon, ammuni- tion-wagons, etc.
After the capture of this position, Colonel Nicholas was enabled to report to General Ripley, and was ordered to assume a position on the left of Colonel Miller's regi- ment. This order was promptly obeyed, and the position held till the close of the action.
General Brown, in his official report, makes honorable mention of the bravery of Captain Symmes in this battie.
On a partial recovery from his wounds, General Brown took command at Fort Erie, which was closely invested by the British, who were actively employed in surrounding it with batteries. On the 17th of Septem- ber he resolved to make a sortie, which was accomplished with spirit and success; the British were completely sur- prised, and, after a severe conflict of two hours, the three batteries, the whole line of intrenchments, and their block-houses were in the possession of the Ameri- cans. In this action Captain Symmes and his command captured one of the batteries. He led his men over the intrenchments, and spiked the first cannon with his own hand.
In 1816 Captain Symmes retired from the army, and took up his residence at St. Louis, where he engaged in furnishing supplies for the troops stationed on the Upper Mississippi, and in trading with the Fox Inilians, for which he had a special license from Governor Clark, of Missouri Territory.
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On Christmas day, 1808, Mr. Symmes married Mrs. Mary Anne Lockwood, widow of Captain Benjamin Lockwood, at Fort Adams. She had at that time a fam- ily of five daughters and one son. They were brought up and educated by Captain Symmes as his own family: they were sincerely attached to him, and grew up to maturity with his own children in perfeet harmony. They were all married from his house but two, who re- mained single.
Captain Lockwood at the time of his death owned a section of land in Brown County, Ohio, on which Captain Symmes regularly paid the taxes, even to the neglect of his own. One of his own tracts, four thou- sand acres, in Lieking County, which would have been a fortune to his children, was forfeited by this neg- lect. When these children arrived at maturity, he turned over this land, free and unineumbered, neither charging them for the money expended on it nor the care he had taken of it.
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